Effects of environment enrichment on learning in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

• Grant number: 17/07362-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2017
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Animal Behavior
• Principal Investigator: Percilia Cardoso Giaquinto
• Grantee: Isabela Inforzato Guermandi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Environmental enrichment (EE) is a manipulation responsible for exposing animals to new and complex situations, which generate sensory, cognitive and physical stimuli. These can interfere in the learning process, in neuro development and changing behavioral responses. Thus, well evaluate the effects of EE on learning of Nile tilápia fish, a cichlid species that exhibits a series of complex behaviors, such as social, reproductive and parental. Fish will be separated in individual aquariums after one-week birth, dividing them into enrichment environment (aquariums coated with blue color, gravel substrate, artificial vegetation and PVC pipes as burrows) and non-enriched environment (control). After the first month of life in this environment, well apply labyrinth-learning tests with biweekly intervals between tests up to 8 months of age, in 14 tests. We will measure latency to leave the acclimation chamber and time to reach the food (performance). (AU)